Comparison of the economic performance of organic and conventional corn-soybean-winter wheat rotations in southwestern Ontario, Canada

Abstract

The economic viability of using summer-seeded legume cover crops (crimson clover, red clover, hairy vetch) as a primary nitrogen (N) source for an organic corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)-winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation was determined on a sandy loam soil in southwestern Ontario, Canada, by comparing gross profit for organic production (organic sources of N and phosphorus, no herbicides) to conventional production (no cover crops, synthetic fertilizers and herbicides added). Profits were determined for the initial three-year transition period from conventional to organic production (2015-2017), and for five years of certified organic production (2018-2022). During the transition period when conventional crop prices applied to both production systems, organic production profits (CAD $1148-1869 ha-1 per rotation) were lower than conventional profits (CAD $2126 ha-1 per rotation). During the certified organic period when price premiums were applied, organic soybean and corn profits (CAD $1995-2274 ha-1 and $2819-3195 ha-1 per year, respectively) were significantly greater than conventional soybean and corn profits (CAD $536 ha-1 and $1926 per ha-1, respectively). Winter wheat profits were slightly higher for organic production (CAD $426 to $825 ha-1 per year) than for conventional production (CAD $371 ha-1 per year). During the certified organic production period, profits from the three year rotations were CAD $5533-6153 ha-1 for organic production, and CAD $2860 ha-1 for conventional production. It was concluded that an organic rotation of corn-soybean-winter wheat/legume cover crop can be economically viable and more profitable than conventional production on sandy loam soil in southwestern Ontario.